Richard Scudamore: the loss of Newcastle will have 'no effect' on the Premier League

Richard Scudamore, the Premier League's chief executive, has suggested that
the league will not "miss a heartbeat" if a club the size of
Newcastle United is relegated on Sunday.

Harsh words: Richard Scudamore sympathises with Newcastle's plight but insists their relegation would not have effect on Premier LeaguePhoto: EPA

By Jim Bruce-Ball and Rob Stewart

11:00PM BST 23 May 2009

Comparing Newcastle's possible relegation to that of Leeds United in 2004 he says: "We missed Leeds fans and missed Leeds playing Man U and Liverpool but the League did not stutter in terms of its appeal. We didn't miss a heartbeat."

In an exclusive interview Scudamore sympathises with Newcastle's plight but insists that their relegation would not have any effect on the league.

"I don't think there is anywhere in the country where a city is so associated with its club, where they wear that shirt as a skin," he said. "You would feel for the region but I would feel as sorry for Hull, Middlesbrough or Sunderland as I would for Newcastle."

Alan Shearer's side play at Aston Villa knowing that even a victory might not be good enough to keep them in the Premier League with their relegation rivals Hull playing a weakened Manchester United side at home and Sunderland, also at home, playing a Chelsea side that is preparing for an FA Cup final on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Hull manager Phil Brown has said he would be happy to follow Shearer's lead by meeting with his club chairman to discuss a new contract even if his side is relegated. Brown, who still has two years left on his current contract, said: "I'd love to be at Hull City for another 10 years, but it would only mean one thing – that I am ambitious enough that I want to be in the Premier League as a manager.

"I'm very happy with my contract but if Paul Duffen wants to sit down around a table then so be it."

Shearer has confirmed he will meet Newcastle owner Mike Ashley for talks this week with the sports retail tycoon ready to offer the former club captain a four-year deal at St James' Park.

Shearer has a cordial working relationship with Ashley but he has told close friends his loyalty remains with the club rather the current regime. He has accepted the transfer budget will be reduced if the club is relegated but will stipulate that he has total control over transfer policy.

"I have a meeting with Mike next week," Shearer said. "We'll see what's best for the club.

"It's a manic job but, whatever happens, one I've really enjoyed. It's a fantastic club where huge mistakes have been made. We've got a last chance to try and rectify those mistakes."